Framed by choice, or by destiny?

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In her bestselling book The Art of Choosing, author Sheena Iyengar implies an interesting proposition -- that some cultures habitually frame their world around pre-set paths also known as "destinies" in contrast with Western societies where the key guiding principle is choice.

In short, to the Western mind, every situation is framed by choice. The question is usually What happens next? -- and therefore oriented to prospect. To the Filipino mind, on the other hand, the question seems to be more around What was it that pre-ordained us to this situation? -- and therefore oriented to retrospect.

Prospect implies a desire to control, whereas retrospect inclines towards resignation.

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